The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1887-12-24

gloves, and'-aNo," answered the boy, II
would like to have that nice warm gray
shawl, those thick gloves and some hot soup
for mother nice new pair of gloves and
shoes for little Jane, new dress for the
baby, and lots of other useful things"
Tears came in Bessie's eyes as she heard
these words, and she thought of all the
comforts she had, and how every wish was
gratifed as soon as it was uttered She
was very quiet during her ride home, think
ing of what she could do to make these
poor children happy. She had seen them
before, and knew where they lived.
That night after dinner, she and her
mother were alone in the library, when she
put her thoughts in words. Mamma,
said she, adid you notice those two poor
little children gazing in the window, as we
came out of the store 2"
eyes, darling" answered Mrs. Green
aWell," continued Bessie, "they were
the O'Briens who live in l. alley. |
have been thinking if, or what 1 could do
to make them happy on Christmas day;
heard what they needed, and if l could do
anything for them it would make me
happy"
My dear daughter - answered her moth
er, 81 like to hear you talk that way; am
glad, that as God has given you everything
you want, He has also made you feel sorry
for those who have no comforts. OF course
you can do something for them
"Thank you, dear mama, came from
the grateful child's lips; Il certainly will
do all l can for them.
SEQ to bed now, my daughter" said
Mrs. Green, "and tomorrow you can ar
range everything with my permission.
Bessie went to bed in good spirits, but
not to sleep, for she was thinking of what
she would do. and how the little o Briens'
eyes would open, when they saw her bring
ing in all the good things she intended to,
on Christmas morning. She finally went
to sleep, to dream of the happy day ap-
preaching.
Bright and early the next morning
Bessie jumped up and dressed in a hurry,
for she was anxious to give Sophy, the
cook, directions for preparing the dinner
which she intended giving the O'Briens.
"Good mornin' Miss Bessie, " said Sophy,
as she saw Bessie enter the kitchen; ''you
is up early dis mornin'; you mus be ex-
cited bout Christmas"
"No," answered Bessie, II am not ex-
cited, only happy. 1 have come to give
you orders about dinner want prepared
for tomorrow. Sophy opened her eyes
wide, when she heard this, for she knew
Bessie did not give orders. ''Mama, con-
tinued Bessie, said I might have anything
| want for the O'Briens tomorrow, so |
have chosen nice dinner, and want you to
prepare it for me, please"
"Of course" answered Sophy; for she,
like all the rest, was very fond Of Bessie.
II would do anything for you, Miss Bessie. !"
Bessie sent John, the coachman, after
the things she needed, and in due time,
everything was ready. She retired early
that night, in order to rest for the coming
day.
When Bessie opened her eyes the fol-
lowing morning, the falling snow was the
first thing that met her gaze, great to her
dismay; but she was not to be disappointed.
"Inatead of the carriage she said to her.
self, II will take the sleigh"
An hour later, we see Bessie riding up
a narrow, dirty alley, with face like a
sunbeam; after having looked carefully at
all the houses, she alights before one shah
bier than the rest, knocks at the door,
which, after few moments is opened, and
after speaking few words, walks in, with
John after her.
She finds herself in bare, dirty room,
where an apparently starving woman and
five children are crouched before few dy-
ing embers. Their eyes open wide as their
visitors walk in, but wider they open, when
Bessie lifts the lid of basket and brings
to view, nice warm coats, dresses, shoes,
stockings and gloves for each member Of
the family; but their astonishment is at its
height, when large roasted turkey, cakes,
candies and toys are put upon broken
table. The amazed people were too happy
to speak, but when the mother regained
her voice, these were her words "My
dear young lady, how kind it is of you to
tulnk vi US pooI lOihs. hoW eau Stol
thank you enough for these splendid
things"
"Oh !" said Bessie, 81 need no thanks,
as l did only my duty. As God has given
me riches and happiness, He intends me to
share them with those who have none"
After wishing them a Merry Christmas
and Happy New Year, Bessie returned
home, happier than ever before, as she was
conscious she had turned house of wretch
edness into house of happiness.
Thus we're two families made happy on
this day; one in receiving the necessities of
life, and the other in seeing generous and
loving disposition developing in their be-
loved child.
Baltimore, December, 1887.